Rugby post set to continue

AGREEMENT has been reached which should see Moray’s rugby development officer post extended for another three years.

George Whitecross has put in place coaching which has boosted participation in the sport in the last two years.

Local clubs, who have financially supported the post, have growing youth sections and more children in the schools are getting involved in the sport, councillors have been told.

Kim Paterson, Sports Development Officer for Moray, said funding has been agreed with the Scottish Rugby Union and other partners which would allow the role to continue.

The SRU will plough in the bulk of the cash at £15,000 each year over the next three years.

Funding has been secured for the first of the three years, with applications to the Celebrate Fund, which is a Commonwealth Games Legacy fund, and the Bill McLaren Fund still awaiting final decisions. If these are successful the post can be extended for three years.

Moray Council will continue to provide logistical and administrative support to the post.

Miss Paterson said she was confident that if the outstanding grant applications are unsuccessful that other funding applications can be made to meet any shortfall.

Members of the children and young people’s committee agreed to recommend the extension of the post in partnership with the SRU and other bodies.